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The Ins and Outs of Electrical Insulated Tools

By: Mike Richards

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The issue of electrical work safety and procedure would not be satisfactory without a conversation covering insulated tools. Risk safety managers know very well that they cannot employees to restore electrical components or hot circuits using typical tools. However, this safety condition also covers even those who are expected to work in close proximity to exposed or hot circuits while performing their everyday responsibilities. Insulated tools add an required margin of safety in these situations, one that has been required by OSHA and risk managers for many years.

The question of what qualifies as an insulated tool can be fairly puzzling. A minimal plastic or rubber handle is not any assurance of a tool’s capacity to resist transmitting a specified intensity of electric stream to the user. In fact, OSHA specifically states an insulated tool as one which defends the user from the conducting contacts on the tool by a pocket of air or the use of dielectric protection. All insulated tools will be acknowledged as such by their producer – if the assertion hasn’t been presented, then the tool cannot be assumed to supply any defense.

Tools which are used to interact with electrical circuits such as the crimpers, cutters and skinners manufactured by Klein are commonly found as insulated products. These unique Klein tools are designed for protecting up to 10000 volts, and are ASTM and IEC rated. On the other hand, there are several other types of tools that are regularly used in the presence of live circuits that are not as straightforward to discover insulated types. These comprise sockets, wrenches and screwdrivers, as well as ratchets. Manufacturers such as Klein and OEL make superior insulated tools that satisfy each of these requirements. Again, it is vital to ensure that the instrument that is being reviewed for purchase is truly a sufficient instrument and not purely offering a foam handle for comfort or grip-enhancing purposes.

Akin to any implement used by workers while performing their jobs, insulated tools must be appropriately maintained in order to make sure that they persist in providing adequate protection against shock hazards. Dependability and safety can be validated via an inspection program, which is in fact mandated by OSHA to be implemented at any facility conducting the nature of work that mandates their use. Most inspections are visual in nature, and require examining tools for breaks, splits or other signs that their integrity may be in question. Tools should also be kept dirt free, so as to avoid likely slips that may cause them to be dropped and consequently expose a user's hand to the close by electrical circuit.

Risk managers must keep in mind that the use of insulated tools does not rule out the required use of other safety equipment (PPE) required for use during electrical work. This can include gloves, hoods, pants and full suits, depending upon the environment in question. Likewise, the use of personal protective equipment PPE should not be interpreted as giving a level of protection that renders the use of standard tools near a live electrical circuit acceptable.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Mike Richards is a safety expert specializing in risk management. If you thought this article was helpful, additional information on methods of storing hazardous materials and agents can be found at Industrial Safety Cabinets.

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